Love Ridden

I am walking to Madelyn’s flat since it’s not far from mine and I could use the fresh air. I’ve already stopped and picked up her favorite breakfast. I also grabbed a bottle of headache meds because I know she’s going to need them.

Last night I watched our friend, Jennifer, her other best friend, help her home. Her arm was wrapped around her and Madelyn leaned against her for support. I watched and wished that I could take her place and be the one that tucked her into bed last night but instead I left with Number Two. Before we even got to her place she had her hands all over me. I had to tactfully extract myself from her at her front door and I could tell she was disappointed. I tried to care, but it didn’t happen. I gave her some lame excuse about having to be up early and then left. At home, I stripped down to my boxer, climbed into my cool sheets and I laid there. Alone, thinking of Madelyn. She is who I always think of when I am alone in bed. Her face is the last face I see before I fall asleep.

I reached her front door and I ring the doorbell. It’s only a courtesy really seeing as I walk right in after it sounds, finding her curled up on the couch. Wrapped in a big blanket, she looks adorable and terrible at the same time. Under it, I can see her pair of ratty boys sweatpants.

I love those pants on her. They make me envision her in my own. My favorite pair of soft gray joggers slung low on her hips, a bit of skin peeking out from beneath her shirt, my hands making more appear as I touch her. I shake my head. Even with her looking as if she feels terrible, I still can’t stop myself from thinking of what I would do to her given the chance.

Before I am in front of her, she already knows it’s me. “What are you doing here, Niall? It’s awfully early for you, no?” She has her head in her hands and her voice is scratchy, but the sarcasm in her words makes me laugh.

I set the bag down and sit myself next to her, our thighs touching, the warmth from her is slowly seeping into me. I try to think of anything but that.

"It's a bit early compared to my usual standards, true. But seeing as I witnessed the amount of cheap whiskey you swallowed last night, I figured I might be needed." I lean forward and empty the bag. I set the orange juice, pastries, and meds on the table. When I stand I immediately miss the feel of her against me, but try to ignore it and walk into the kitchen to bring her a glass of water. I pour out two pills and hold it out to her. She takes them easily.

I can tell she is thinking of something and she starts to ask me. “Where’s…” I silently pray that she doesn’t say her name. I don’t want to hear her beautiful voice say it. “..your lady?” She finally finishes and I inwardly breathe a sigh of relief.

I lean back beside her and raise my arm for her to lean against me. “Oh, I took her home last night.” She burrows into my chest and I wrap my arm around her. “I knew you were gonna need me this morning so I tried to tuck in early.” I rub her arm up and down. Her skin is so soft and I wonder if it feels the same everywhere. She snuggles deeper against me. “Turns out I was right.”

I spent the day with her in my arms, just laying with her all day. It is my favorite thing to do. I’ve always been a cuddler but the older I get I realize just how tactile I really am. I like to touch. I like to hug. I like to cuddle. I am the definition of touchy feely. She knows this about me and takes complete advantage of it, something that makes me incredibly happy.

When I am with her I am incredibly happy.

Notes